Arnold Schwarzenegger has settled a legal action against a company who produced a "bobblehead" doll of him in a suit toting a gun.

The Hollywood actor and governor of California objected to his image being used for the bobbing-head toy.

The settlement allows Ohio Discount Merchandise to produce a figure of Mr Schwarzenegger but without a gun.

Part of the profits will go towards the governor's Arnold All-Stars after-school charity programme.

The redesigned $19.99 dolls will be available online.

"We're very happy with the settlement, and we look
forward to the release of the new Arnold Schwarzenegger bobblehead doll," said Todd Bosley, co-owner of Ohio Discount.

Mr Schwarzenegger's lawyer Martin Singer said the actor turned politician was pleased with the outcome of the settlement, and an end to the unauthorised use of his image.

Disputed settlement

"And he's happy to see the money going to his
charity," Mr Singer added.

The original Schwarzenegger bobblehead doll was created from an idea by Washington lobbyist John Edgell that included models of several Democrat presidential candidates, to raise money for cancer and children's charities.

Mr Bosley of Ohio Discount said he has since severed ties with Mr Edgell, who is disputing the settlement.

Mr Edgell says he has now produced a prototype doll called Governor Girlie Man - in reference to the term recently used by Mr Schwarzenegger to describe some Democratic lawmakers.

He said he also wanted to press ahead with the gun-toting Schwarzenegger doll.

"It was a political statement to tweak Arnold because he
pledged to support an assault weapon ban and hasn't done anything," Mr Edgell said.

"Also because he stars in all these violent movies and has a pro-kid image."